Relationship between vitamin D deficiency and visually evoked potentials in multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Endocrinology
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder.
• Vitamin D deficiency is common in MS patients.
• Visually evoked potentials (VEP) assess optic nerve function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum 25-OH vitamin D levels and VEP parameters in MS patients.
• To explore the relationship between vitamin D status, clinical MS activity, and optic neuritis history.

Main Methods:

• Study included 49 MS patients from Gran Canaria.
• Measured serum 25-OH vitamin D levels.
• Performed VEP tests and neurological examinations.

Main Results:

• Mean 25-OH vitamin D level was 28.1±9.5 ng/ml.
• Higher vitamin D levels correlated with increased MS relapses.
• Vitamin D deficient patients with prior optic neuritis showed preserved VEP amplitude.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D deficiency in MS patients may be linked to lower clinical activity.
• No significant VEP axonal involvement was observed in deficient patients post-optic neuritis.
• The clinical relevance of these findings requires further investigation.